Acer platanoides x truncatum 'Crimson Sunset'

Crimson Sunset Maple

Acer platanoides × truncatum ‘Crimson Sunset’ is a sterile hybrid maple combining the toughness of Norway maple with the improved form and adaptability of Shantung maple. It’s prized for its deep purple-red foliage, strong branching, and reliable performance in urban settings.

Leaves emerge rich burgundy to deep purple in spring and hold their color well through summer, even in heat. In fall, foliage shifts to bronze-red to maroon, extending seasonal interest. The tree forms a dense, upright-oval canopy with excellent structure and reduced surface rooting compared to Norway maple.

‘Crimson Sunset’ is heat-, drought-, and pollution-tolerant, and—importantly—does not produce viable seed, making it a preferred alternative where Norway maples are restricted.

Size



Width: 30–40 ft



Height: 35–45 ft



Hardiness



USDA Zones: 4–8



Best Uses


Street and boulevard tree



Urban and commercial landscapes



Large lawn or park shade tree



Municipal plantings where seedless trees are required



Heat- and drought-tolerant canopy tree

Plant type

Deciduous Tree, Shade Tree, Street Tree

Height

35-45'

Width

30-40'

Hardiness zones

5–8

Sunlight

Full Sun, Partial Shade

Growth rate

Moderate

Bloom time

Spring

Leaf color

Dark Red

Fall color

Ruby

Attracts

Bees

Soil

Loamy, Well Drained

Landscape use

Provide Shade, Specimen

Shape

Broad Upright

Drought tolerant

No